Ricoh launches proof of concept aluminium binder jetting print service to accelerate industrialisation

Telford, UK, 30 April 2026 – Ricoh Printing Solutions Europe Ltd (RPSE) today announced the launch of a proof‑of‑concept metal additive manufacturing (AM) print service, based on its unique aluminium binder jetting (BJT) technology.

Delivered via Ricoh’s Metal Additive Manufacturing Customer Experience Centre in Telford, the new service represents an important milestone in Ricoh Company Ltd’s journey toward the industrial mass production of aluminium binder jetting components, supporting the transition from advanced additive manufacturing innovation to scalable, industrial manufacturing.

From technology development to application‑led progress

Over recent years, Ricoh has been developing a differentiated aluminium binder jetting process designed to enable high‑volume production, design freedom, and enhanced thermal performance. With the launch of this proof‑of‑concept service, Ricoh is now inviting customers to engage more directly with the technology — exploring real applications, validating performance, and accelerating routes to industrialisation.

Rather than focusing solely on demonstration, Ricoh’s approach places co‑creation with customers at the centre, enabling application‑led development that addresses real manufacturing challenges and market needs.

“This proof‑of‑concept service marks a clear step forward in our aluminium binder jetting journey,” said Mark Dickin, Head of Additive Manufacturing and Applications, Ricoh 3D, Ricoh Printing Solutions Europe Ltd.

“We are moving beyond proving what the technology can do, toward working with customers to understand where it delivers real value. By collaborating at this stage, we can collectively accelerate the path to robust, scalable and commercially viable production.”

Continuous improvement driving technical maturity

Ricoh’s BJT development is guided by the company’s long‑standing Kaizen (continuous improvement) culture, alongside close collaboration between teams in Europe and Japan’s Research & Development (R&D) centre.

Recent progress includes:

• Enhanced Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) capabilities that enable lightweighting and improved heat transfer efficiency
• A sharper focus on thermal management applications, particularly for electrification and advanced electronics
• Development of new binder systems that enable stronger green bodies and more efficient downstream processing
• Hybrid manufacturing compatibility, supported by Ricoh’s proprietary joining technologies that bridge additive and conventional manufacturing

Together, these advances position aluminium binder jetting as a realistic route toward repeatable, scalable production, rather than experimental prototyping alone.

Enabling electrification and a more sustainable future

Initial applications identified for Ricoh’s aluminium binder jetting technology include batteries, power inverters, motors, heat exchangers, cooling plates and heat sinks — components that play a critical role in electrification, energy efficiency and sustainable product development.

By enabling complex internal geometries, increased surface area, and optimised thermal pathways, aluminium binder jetting opens new opportunities for component design that are difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods.

Independent recognition validates application potential

Ricoh’s progress in aluminium binder jetting has also received independent industry recognition. In October 2025, Ricoh Company Ltd was awarded first place at the 6th annual ‘Sinter‑based Additive Manufacturing’ workshop, hosted by Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen, Germany.

The winning case study presented AlSi alloy heat‑sink fins, designed and produced using aluminium binder jetting as part of a liquid‑cooled EV inverter heat‑sink. The work demonstrated the technology’s capability to deliver high‑performance, thermally optimised components, with accompanying CFD analysis showing cooling efficiency exceeding that of conventional copper plate fins.

Inviting customers to co‑create the next phase

With the proof‑of‑concept metal AM print service now available, Ricoh is formally seeking collaboration with organisations that already have applications in mind or are exploring how aluminium binder jetting could unlock new product or system performance.

The service is aimed at customers looking to:

• Evaluate aluminium binder jetting for specific components or assemblies
• Accelerate development from concept to industrialisation
• De‑risk adoption through feasibility testing and advanced application trials
• Co‑develop manufacturing strategies that support future mass production

“Industrialisation doesn’t happen in isolation,” added Mark Dickin. “By opening access through our Metal AM CEC, we are inviting customers to shape the application with us — ensuring it evolves in line with real production requirements and commercial expectations.”

Experience aluminium binder jetting in practice

Ricoh’s Metal AM CEC in Telford provides a dedicated environment for application discussions, process development and collaboration. Customers are encouraged to visit the facility to explore aluminium binder jetting capabilities, discuss challenges, and identify co‑creation opportunities with Ricoh’s specialist teams.

Contacts and next steps

Organisations interested in exploring aluminium binder jetting applications or participating in proof‑of‑concept projects are encouraged to contact Ricoh 3D to begin collaboration.